As the province seeks to end homeless encampments in public spaces with tough new legislation, many Ontarians are divided over how the issue should be handled.
Sean Horrell walked into the woods holding a basket filled with hot meals, water bottles, juice boxes and snacks for a group of people living in a small London, Ont., homeless encampment.
But Horrell and his team at 519Pursuit, a non-profit organization that helps homeless people in London, are determined to continue delivering hot meals and supplies five days a week to people living in tents.In the morning, he drives to a storage building where 519Pursuit keeps donated items including sleeping bags, drinks, snacks and pet food.Then, he and a group of volunteers pack food and drinks in plastic bags before heading off in different directions to distribute help across the city.
The premier also announced an additional $75.5 million funding toward homelessness prevention programs, including $50 million for affordable housing and $20 million to expand shelter capacity.Horrell said the issue has always been a “double-edged sword.” While encampments provide homeless people with support and a sense of community, they also pose challenges for area residents and businesses, he said.
Although 65 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about encampments in their community, only 12 per cent supported stronger law enforcement measures. Toronto Deputy Mayor Amber Morley said any efforts aimed at preventing the growth of encampments in public spaces are welcomed, but expressed concerns about the proposed provincial legislation.
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